Hawley Center

GMAT Preparation

Test Overview

  • The test measures general verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that are developed over a long period of time.
  • It is designed to help graduate schools of business assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management.
  • The GMAT does not presuppose any specific knowledge of business or other specific content areas.
  • The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that is available, year-round, at test centers.
  • The first question is always of medium difficulty.  The selection of each question thereafter is determined by your responses to all previous questions.  In other words, it adjusts to your ability level
  • You are required to enter an answer for each question and you may not return to or change your response to any previously answered question.
  • You will have 75 minutes for 37 quantitative questions, 75 minutes for 41 verbal questions, and 30 minutes for each of the two analytical writing topics.  Total time is approximately four hours.
  • Minimal computer skills are required to complete the exam.  Before beginning the test, you will complete a tutorial that covers using a mouse, entering a response, using the word processor, accessing the help function, and moving on to the next question.  You will also be able to access the help function at any time during testing.

Description of the GMAT

Quantitative

  • Measures basic mathematical skills and understanding of elementary concepts, and the ability to reason quantitatively, solve problems, and interpret graphic data.

Verbal

  • Measures the ability to understand and evaluate what is read and to recognize basic conventions of standard written English.

Analytical Writing

  • Measures the ability to think critically and communicate complex ideas through writing.

Test Preparation for the GMAT

  • Become familiar with the kinds of questions asked on the test.  In the GMAT Information Bulletin, you will find the complete set of instructions and sample questions for each type of question that may be on the test.
  • Visit the MBA Explorer Web site for additional samples of actual GMAT questions.
  • Prepare using the POWERPREP Software or The Official Guide for GMAT Review.

Test-Taking Suggestions for the GMAT

  • Read all test directions carefully.  The directions explain exactly what is required in order to answer each question type.
  • Read each question carefully and thoroughly.  Determine exactly what is being asked.
  • If you do not know the answer or if the question is too time-consuming, guess.
  • Confirm your answer only when you are certain you are ready to move on to the next question.
  • On average, you have about 1 ¾ minutes for each verbal question and 2 minutes for each quantitative question.

    GRE     | GMAT | LSAT | MCAT
Last Updated: 4/22/09